In summer, the resort is transformed into an ideal destination for those seeking cool air and outdoor activities. Average summer temperatures rarely exceed 20 degrees, making it a perfect refuge from the heat. Summer activities include trekking, mountain biking, golf at the Sestriere Golf Club, tennis, padel and much more.
It offers a wide range of tourist services, including hotels, restaurants, shops and wellness centres. It is well connected with the main Piedmontese cities thanks to a good transport network.
For further information and to plan a visit, you can consult the official Sestriere website (www.sestriere.it)
2 - Santa Caterina Valfurva (Lombardy)
Santa Caterina Valfurva, a picturesque resort in Lombardy in the heart of the Stelvio National Park, stands at an altitude of about 1,738 metres. This position gives the village a cool climate even in summer, making it ideal for those seeking relief from high temperatures.
In winter, the resort is renowned for its ski slopes and winter sports. It offers about 35 kilometres of slopes suitable for all levels, attracting skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts thanks to its modern facilities and excellent snow conditions. The area is also popular for cross-country skiing, mountaineering and snowshoe hikes.
In summer, Santa Caterina Valfurva becomes a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor activities. Temperatures rarely exceed 20 degrees, making a stay pleasant. Among the most popular activities are trekking, mountain biking and mountaineering. The Forni Valley and the Zebrù Valley are among the main natural attractions, offering splendid landscapes and hiking trails.
The resort is well equipped to welcome tourists, with a variety of hotels, restaurants and shops. Equipment hire services for both winter and summer sports are available, as well as ski schools and hiking guides. The proximity of Bormio offers further options for relaxation and fun, including spas and sports facilities.
Santa Caterina Valfurva hosts various events throughout the year, including sporting competitions and cultural events. The resort is also involved in preparations for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, underlining the importance of the region as a centre for winter sports.
For more information and to plan a visit, you can consult the official Santa Caterina Valfurva website
3 - Castelluccio di Norcia (Umbria)
Castelluccio di Norcia, located in Umbria at an altitude of about 1,452 metres, is an enchanting village in the heart of the Monti Sibillini National Park. This high position offers a cool climate, making it ideal for those seeking relief from the summer heat.
The village is famous for the ‘Fioritura’ (flowering), a natural event that takes place between the end of May and the beginning of July, during which the meadows are transformed into a mosaic of colours with flowers such as gentians, daffodils, violets and poppies. This spectacle attracts visitors from all over the world, eager to admire the fields in bloom.
In winter, Castelluccio offers opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing, while in summer it becomes a paradise for outdoor activities such as trekking, mountain biking and paragliding. The area is perfect for hiking and offers routes that cross splendid natural landscapes, such as the Forni Valley and the Zebrù Valley.
The village is well equipped to welcome tourists, with a variety of hotels, restaurants and shops. Equipment hire services for both winter and summer sports are available, as well as hiking guides. The local cuisine is renowned, particularly for Castelluccio lentils, a typical product of the highest quality.
Castelluccio di Norcia hosts various events throughout the year, including cultural festivals and sporting competitions. The combination of nature, sport and tradition makes this place a unique destination to visit.
For further information and to plan a visit, you can consult the official Castelluccio di Norcia website (Castelluccio di Norcia)
4 - Cingoli (Marche)
Cingoli, known as the ‘Balcony of the Marche’, is a picturesque village in the province of Macerata, at an altitude of about 631 metres. This charming town offers breathtaking panoramic views over the Marche hills as far as the Adriatic Sea, thanks to its elevated position.
The historic centre of Cingoli is characterised by narrow paved streets, evocative squares and ancient stone buildings. Among the main attractions are Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, the beating heart of the village, and the Sanctuary of the Madonna dell’Aiuto, just outside the town centre. The medieval walls and towers of the town offer a glimpse of its history and the surrounding panorama.
In summer, Cingoli becomes an ideal destination for outdoor activities such as walking and cycling. Lake Cingoli, a short distance from the village, is a perfect spot for picnics, fishing and relaxing surrounded by nature. The surrounding area also offers numerous trekking trails and walks.
The local cuisine of Cingoli reflects the traditions of the Marche, with dishes based on fresh, local ingredients. The village’s restaurants and trattorias offer typical regional specialities, accompanied by local wines.
Cingoli hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including food festivals, fairs and historical re-enactments that attract both residents and tourists. This mix of history, nature and tradition makes the village a unique and fascinating destination.
For further information and to plan a visit, you can consult the official Cingoli website (Wikipedia)
